Do I need a Nevada sales tax account to sell in Reno?

Yes. Businesses making taxable retail sales in Reno must register with the Nevada Department of Taxation to collect and remit sales and use taxes.

Do I also need a City of Reno business license?

Yes. Operating in Reno generally requires a City of Reno business license in addition to any state tax registration.

What if I only sell online to Reno customers?

If you have nexus or a physical presence in Nevada or meet economic thresholds, you may be required to collect Nevada sales tax; check Nevada Department of Taxation guidance.

Register to Collect Sales Tax in Reno, Nevada

Taxation and Finance Nevada 4 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026

· By Emily Carter

Reno, Nevada businesses that make retail sales must register to collect and remit sales tax before or when they begin operations in the city. This article explains the municipal and state registration steps small business owners need in Reno, Nevada, the agencies that enforce collection and licensing, how to submit applications, and common compliance requirements to avoid penalties.

Register to collect sales tax in Reno

Two separate registrations are normally required: a state sales tax account to collect and remit sales and use taxes, and a City of Reno business license to operate within city limits. The Nevada Department of Taxation issues sales tax accounts and filing requirements; the City of Reno issues business licenses and enforces local licensing rules. For state registration use the Nevada Tax Center; for the city license use the City of Reno business license pages City of Reno Business License^[1] and Nevada Department of Taxation - Nevada Tax Center^[2].

What you need to apply

Business name and structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation).
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number for sole proprietors.
Estimated start date of retail sales and primary business location in Reno.
Payment method for license or registration fees where required.

Penalties & Enforcement

Sales and use tax collection and remittance are enforced by the Nevada Department of Taxation at the state level and by the City of Reno for licensing compliance. Specific monetary penalties, interest rates, and fine amounts for failing to register, collect, or remit are not specified on the cited city and state registration pages; see the official agency pages for statutory penalties and interest schedules Nevada Department of Taxation^[2] and City of Reno Business License^[1].

If you collect sales tax but do not remit it, state penalties and interest may apply in addition to city licensing actions.

Monetary fines and interest: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first or repeat offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: licensing suspension, orders to cease operations, and referral to court are possible per enforcing agencies.
Enforcers: Nevada Department of Taxation for sales tax; City of Reno Business License Division for local license compliance.
Inspection and complaints: taxpayers and members of the public can report unlicensed businesses to the City of Reno Business License Division or contact the Nevada Department of Taxation; see agency pages for contact methods.
Appeals and reviews: administrative appeal routes exist with time limits and procedures set by the enforcing agency; specific filing deadlines are not specified on the cited registration pages.

Applications & Forms

The primary state application is completed through the Nevada Tax Center to register a sales/use tax account and obtain an account number for filing returns. The City of Reno requires a business license application for businesses operating in Reno. Fee amounts and exact form names or numbers are not specified on the cited pages; applicants should follow the state and city online application flows and review fee schedules on the official pages Nevada Department of Taxation^[2] and City of Reno Business License^[1].

Common violations

Failing to register with the Nevada Department of Taxation before collecting sales tax.
Operating without a current City of Reno business license.
Under-reporting taxable sales or failing to remit collected tax.

Action steps

Register for a sales tax account via the Nevada Tax Center and obtain your state account number.
Apply for a City of Reno business license and display or carry license documentation as required.
Collect the correct combined sales tax rate for Reno on taxable sales and remit returns on the schedule required by the state.
If unsure, contact the Nevada Department of Taxation or City of Reno Business License Division for guidance before you begin sales.

FAQ

Do I need a Nevada sales tax account to sell in Reno?: Yes. Businesses making taxable retail sales in Reno must register with the Nevada Department of Taxation to collect and remit sales and use taxes.
Do I also need a City of Reno business license?: Yes. Operating in Reno generally requires a City of Reno business license in addition to any state tax registration.
What if I only sell online to Reno customers?: If you have nexus or a physical presence in Nevada or meet economic thresholds, you may be required to collect Nevada sales tax; check Nevada Department of Taxation guidance.

How-To

Determine whether your goods or services are taxable in Nevada.
Create an account and register for sales/use tax with the Nevada Tax Center.
Apply for a City of Reno business license through the City of Reno business license portal.
Collect the appropriate Reno combined rate at point of sale and file returns on schedule with Nevada Department of Taxation.
Keep records of sales, exempt sales, and remittances; contact the agencies if you need help or to appeal a notice.

Key Takeaways

Register with both the Nevada Department of Taxation and the City of Reno before starting taxable sales.
Maintain clear sales records and remit on the state schedule to avoid penalties.